Drones in Environmental Surveying

Environmental conservation efforts are necessary to sustain plan and animal life, which is a result of human activity. The incorporation of advancements in technology have made it easier to monitor and address environmental concerns. Due to their effectiveness, price friendliness and relative ease of use, drones have already proven to offer value in these efforts.

So, what are the benefits of drones in environmental surveys?

Environmental mapping and nature monitoring

Drones have been central to imaging efforts designed at identifying problem spots. The scope of the problem is not easily comprehensible without the images provided by drones, which are able to fly on most days of the year and over any surface. Drones may even be charted to fly at heights of about 200 meters, which reduces the cloud coverage problem that limits other imaging equipment.

UAVs can carry a umber of sensors and meteorological equipment for precise data collection across the globe. In the past, drones have featured thermometers, wind gauges, as well as pressure and humidity sensors to collect data from different areas around the world. The drone has been instrumental in mapping out difficult terrains such as the rain forests in Congo and Suriname, helping to bring the respective environmental concerns to the fore. Drones have played a significant part in the restoration of environmental phenomenon such as the almost extinct ancient peat bogs in Switzerland.

Efficient maintenance of renewable energy resources

Instead of hooking up an operator to each wind turbine for maintenance, drones have facilitated easier large scale management of these important assets. Aside from checking wind turbines, drones have also been used t monitor dam wall strength to ensure they meet the quality standard for hydro electric power production.

Drones reduce the potential for measurement error and the risk to operators. In both instances, high quality drone imaging will offset the output of a number of members of staff without the risk of injury or death. The efficiency of these tools has made it easier to manage renewable energy resources for sustained production, which works to mitigate the strain on the environment in these areas.

Revolutionary disaster relief management

UAVs have been used to assess, prevent and even handle environmental disasters. Drones are used to collect data about an affected area, which enables authorities to develop better disaster relief strategies at minimal costs. Detailed 2D and 3D maps, which can be collected by attaching sensors to your drone, have played a key role in helping present the extent of damage caused by typhoons for better strategic efforts aimed at controlling the situation. The use of UAVs to fight forest fires in California is a recent testament to the potential of these tools for disaster management. High resolution images provided by the drone could help plan reconstruction efforts as well.

Enhanced wildlife conservation efforts

Drones can help determine animal and plant populations n an area. When fitted with the right sensors, drones have been used to monitor seabirds, chimpanzees, orangutans, seals and green turtles. They can be used to determine the population and range of a specific species, allowing for better efforts towards protecting these species. They are ideal for hard to reach locations, as well as sickly plant populations. The potential for protection of at risk species is just too great.